René de Possel is remembered in mathematics for work the next generation could build on.
The record lists René de Possel as French mathematician (1905–1974).
René de Possel was born at Marseille in 1905. His recorded nationality is France. He studied at Lycée Thiers and École Normale Supérieure.
Around the turn of the twentieth century the foundations of mathematics were under open attack, and set theory and logic became urgent questions.
His academic posts were held at Aix-Marseille University (1896-1971), University of Clermont-Ferrand (1896-1976) and University of Algiers 1.
Mathematics accumulates without discarding: a proof from two thousand years ago is still a proof.
That the work was done from France matters: mathematical training, institutions and the language of publication have never been evenly distributed.
René de Possel died in 1974, aged 69. The proofs remain, and a proof does not decay - which is the particular permanence mathematics offers.
Achievements
- Held posts at Aix-Marseille University (1896-1971), University of Clermont-Ferrand (1896-1976) and University of Algiers 1
